Coleman captains Republic of Ireland against Germany in Cologne

Seamus Coleman will captain the Republic of Ireland in tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Germany in Cologne.

Interim manager Noel King has opted to hand the captain’s armband to the Everton wing-back for the first time in the absence of the injured Robbie Keane, who misses the encounter against Group C leaders with an ankle injury.

League One player Kevin Doyle returns from the international wilderness to occupy what is likely to be a lone striker role, while Celtic star Anthony Stokes is expected to start in a deeper role.